Paul Lambert warns rival clubs off Villa striker

The 21-year-old Belgian has been a big hit following his summer move to the Premier League side, dislodging former captain Darren Bent as the club’s centre-forward and becoming the focal point of their attack.

This has led to whispers that a number of top teams are tempted to make a move for the ex-Genk forward, but Lambert stated that he will be going nowhere:

“Christian has been excellent for us. He is a big strong lad but he can also play.

“If he keeps progressing the way he has so far, he will be an incredible player.

“I have to hold onto Benteke. He’s going nowhere.”

He went on to claim that Benteke will get even better:

“I have run out of things to say about Christian. He is not the finished article but he has been excellent for us and a fans’ favourite.

“You have to be a good player to get into the current Belgium side and he has scored plenty of goals for them already.